Blues star wants to leave

Diego Costa has reportedly informed Chelsea he wants to leave this summer and re-join Spanish side Atletico Madrid.

The future of the Brazilian-born hitman has been the subject of speculation since the curtain came down on last season, with reports indicating he wanted to return to the Spanish capital and re-sign for Atleti.

The appointment of Antonio Conte as manager was then reported to have changed the 27-year-old’s mind but fresh speculation in the Spanish press has suggested Costa could have gone back to his original plan of trying to force through a move away from Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea boss Conte does not want to see Costa leave though and the Blues hierarchy have no plans to open negotiations with Atletico over the sale of the striker, who cost the club £32million when they signed him two years ago.

Atleti are thought to be keen on a reunion with Costa, a striker who fired them to the La Liga title in 2014, but with Chelsea short of attacking options already it would appear very unlikely the Spain international will get his wish.